Ai-Thinker Rd-61 60GHz Compact Motion Radar Module

The Ai-Thinker Rd-61 is an ultra-compact 60GHz FMCW millimeter-wave radar module for human motion, presence, tracking, and micro-motion sensing. It integrates a 1T3R AiP radar chip and Flash in a small SMD8 module, making it suitable for space-constrained embedded radar designs that need high-sensitivity non-contact detection.

The official Rd-61 specification lists a 58GHz to 64GHz radar spectrum range, 6GHz continuous sweep bandwidth, 120 horizontal and vertical field of view, up to 8m maximum sensing distance, and 0.01m nearest sensing distance based on a human-target reference. Configuration and data acquisition are handled through UART, with UART / IIC listed in the main parameter table.

For related OpenELAB radar modules, compare the Ai-Thinker Rd-03H 24GHz Presence Radar, Ai-Thinker Rd-03 24G Radar V2, Ai-Thinker Rd-03D 24G Radar, Ai-Thinker Rd-03E 24G Radar, and Ai-Thinker Radar Debugging Board.

Technical Specifications

Integration Notes & Hardware Guidance

• Power Design Use a stable 3.3V supply with peak current above 500mA and control ripple for reliable radar operation.
• IO Voltage Keep VDDIO within 1.7V to 3.6V and add level shifting if the host controller uses incompatible IO levels.
• UART Planning Use PB0 / PB1 for radar commands and PA0 for radar data output according to the official design guide.
• Antenna Direction Point the radar antenna toward the target area and keep the front side open without shielding.
• Mechanical Stability Mount the module firmly because shaking or vibration of the radar itself can affect detection results.
• Backside Interference Use metal shielding or a suitable backplane when moving objects behind the radar create unwanted detection.
• Multi-Radar Spacing Avoid direct beam alignment between multiple 60GHz radar modules and increase separation where possible.
• Environment Review Moving curtains, animals, fans, air outlets, large plants, and strong reflectors can interfere with radar testing.
• ESD Handling Add ESD protection on exposed power and IO lines, and handle the module as an electrostatic-sensitive device.

Packing List

• 1 Ai-Thinker Rd-61 60GHz Radar Module for Human Motion Detection

FAQ

Q: What is the key advantage of Rd-61?
A: Rd-61 provides 60GHz FMCW radar sensing in a very small 18.5 6.5mm module footprint, making it useful when board space is limited.

Q: How is Rd-61 different from Rd-60?
A: Rd-61 is the smaller SMD8 / DIP-8 compatible module, while Rd-60 is larger and includes additional wireless subsystem features in its specification.

Q: What sensing range does Rd-61 support?
A: The official specification lists up to 8m maximum sensing distance and 0.01m nearest sensing distance, depending on target size, state, and RCS.

Q: What is the field of view?
A: The listed radar coverage is 120 horizontal FOV and 120 vertical FOV.

Q: What voltage should I use?
A: Design around 3.3V typical supply with peak current above 500mA, while keeping VDDIO within the listed 1.7V to 3.6V range.

Q: What interface does the module use?
A: The product overview describes UART for configuration and data acquisition, and the main parameter table lists UART / IIC support.

Q: What causes false detection?
A: Moving objects, vibration, moving curtains, animals, fans, air-conditioning airflow, large reflectors, or activity behind the radar can affect results and should be handled during installation.